Names of 'American Idol 8' Top 36

This season of "American Idol" has opened a bigger door for the hopefuls, by taking in 36 instead of the usual 24. During the February 11 episode, these 36 people are announced one by one, through a deliberation where contestants must go through a long narrow passage leading to their fate.

First ones that are let in are Anoop Desai and Von Smith. The judges then have a showdown between Cody and Alexander Wagner-Trugman, asking them to perform any song and the latter does it better, consequently included in the next round while the former goes home. Joining Alex is Adam Lambert who has the voice of a Broadway singer.

Doing an Alicia Keys gets 16-year-old Taylor Vaifanua into another round. Next shown being admitted to the top 36 in a flash are Jasmine Murray, Arianna Afsar, Casey Carlson, Megan Corkrey, Mishavonna Henson and Stevie Wright. Joanna Pacitti who has been criticized to be too experienced to join the competition is also through, followed by Texas native Kendall Beard.

Another face-off is conducted between Jenn Korbee and Kristen McNamara, the latter earns judges' favor. Other notable semifinalists are Alexis Grace from Memphis, the blind guy Scott Douglas MacIntyre, and tornado victim Lil Rounds. Third showdown lets Jessica Langseth in over Frankie Jordan.

Allison Iraheta goes through, along with Danny Gokey, Ricky Braddy, Junot Jyner, Matt Giraud, Jorge Nunez, Brent Keith, Stephen Fowler, and the 'geek' Nick Mitchell a.k.a. Normund Gentle. Adding some spice to the mainstream, the judges decide to let rocker Jackie Tohn in and surprisingly admit Tatiana del Toro, the contestant who performed badly in the previous week and almost didn't make it.

Next face-off between Nathaniel Mitchell and Jackie Midkiff is won by Mitchell while the flashes reveal that those in for the next round are Jeanine Vailes, Kai Kalama, Anne Marie Boskovich, and Kris Allen. The last sound-off is kept for the biggest showdown. Mechanic Matt Breitzke is facing off oil rig worker Michael Sarver and both go through, rounding up the Top 36.

Next week on Tuesday, February 17, one third of these contestants will perform on the stage. They are Casey Carlson, Stephen Fowler, Jackie Tohn, Ricky Braddy, Anne Marie Boskovich, Brent Keith, Alexis Grace, Michael Sarver, Stevie Wright, Danny Gokey, Tatiana Del Toro and Anoop Desai.

Update 02/12: Contestant Joanna Pacitti has been disqualified by FOX and replaced by Felicia Barton.